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The latest volume in Continuum Books’ 33 1/3 Series takes an unprecedented look at how Hip-Hop touched what has been called “the ultimate thrash metal record.”

33 1/3: Reign of Blood recounts the making of heavy metal group Slayer’s 1986 Def Jam release through the eyes of Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons and the other Hip-Hop luminaries who helped the album come about.

Through all new interviews by Simmons and Rubin, as well as MC Serch, and Bomb Squad founder Hank Shockley, readers are treated to a first-hand account of how Slayer managed to fit in with Def Jam’s roster of rap legends.

“They were nice kids,” said Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons. “They looked fun. I didn’t know. I wasn’t even [interested] because they didn’t rap. Me and all the Hip-Hop kids that were part of my group, they looked up and said, ‘Wow, I don’t know what the f**k this is. This is Rick Rubin’s shit.’”

In addition to anecdotes from the band and the Def Jam staff, including Serch’s experience promoting Slayer alongside 3rd Bass group member Pete Nice, author D.X. Ferris also examines Reign of Blood through the eyes of dozens of fans.

33 1/3: Reign of Blood is available in stores everywhere.

With 60 volumes to date, the 33 1/3 series also includes books about and inspired by groundbreaking albums by A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, James Brown, and Prince.